Roman Herm of the God Hermes
Circa 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D. A bronze herm lock element representing the god Hermes, with a stylised and beardless face, long hair descending with two parallel lines on the chest with engraved stylised caduceus, finial with a plinth and a squared pin to the reverse. Cf. a very similar Herma in the Museum of Fine Art Budapest, inventory no.93.19.A. 110 grams, 16 cm (6 1/4 in.). Acquired before 2000.From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK. This miniature herm, with a stylised caduceus engraved on the breast, possibly represents the god Hermes. It could have been used as a lock for a casket or a box where money was kept. Hermes was the protector of homes, symbolised by the Herma (from Hermes), a square or rectangular pillar of stone or bronze topped by a bust of the god.